Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series: Gary Hunt wins fifth title

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Photos:Divers on display at Guggenheim

The 2015 Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series came to a climax in Bilbao, Spain -- with a spectacular backdrop of the Guggenheim Museum and 50,000 spectators.

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Photos:Divers on display at Guggenheim

Britain's Gary Hunt won his fifth series title in seven years despite not qualifying for the final eight in Bilbao. He won six of the eight rounds in 2015. "I can't be disappointed about today, because this has been the best year of my career and my life," said Hunt, 31.

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Photos:Divers on display at Guggenheim

Steven LoBue snatched victory in the series' milestone 50th event since its launch in 2009. A daring dive of five front somersaults and a half twist pike earned the American his first win this season and third overall.

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Photos:Divers on display at Guggenheim

Veteran Orlando Duque was second in Bilbao on Saturday, and the 41-year-old Colombian was overall runner-up behind Hunt.

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Photos:Divers on display at Guggenheim

Duque looks down at the Nervion river from his position on La Salve Bridge. The 27-meter platform is three times the height of an Olympic diving board.

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Photos:Divers on display at Guggenheim

The series allows some of the bravest divers in the world to compete in natural and urban surroundings, including remote and iconic venues across South America, U.S. and Europe between April and September.

"I was mentally strong enough to get over that incident and I'm just so, so happy that I was able to put those dives together today. I'm just lost for words," said the Fort Lauderdale resident, who narrowly missed out on a spot with the U.S. Olympic diving team in 2004.

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Photos:Divers on display at Guggenheim

Hunt won the first five rounds of 2015 before finishing fifth in August's trip to Bosnia and Herzegovina. He bounced back with victory in Italy.

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Gary Hunt won his fifth Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series title despite a disappointing performance at the final round of the 2015 competition in Bilbao.